KERALA STYLE SAMBAR

Today I would like to share a recipe that can be used for Sadya.Sambar is a lentil based dish common in South India. Kerala sambar is very much different from that of its  neighbouring states.For us,sambar is also a mixed vegetable like our Avial.This is my mother in law's recipe.

 
Here is the recipe:
Ingredients: 

1. Toor dal/thuvara parippu- 1/2 cup
2. Turmeric powder- a couple of pinches
3. Chopped Vegetables(carrot,potato,brinjal.drumstick,cucumber,yam,plantain,pumpkin,  tomato)-3cups
4. Tamarind -1lemon sized
5. Small onion(shallots)-a Handful(cut into halves)
6. Asafoetida powder- a couple of pinches 
7. Green chilly-2-3(slit lengthwise)
8. Coriander powder-3tsp
9. Chilly powder-1tsp(as per your spice level)
10. Coriander leaves for garnishing

For Seasoning:

1. mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
2. fenugreek seeds-couple of pinches
3. dry red chilly - 2-3 nos
4. curry leaves-1 sprig
5. cumin seeds-1/2 tsp 
6. oil -1tbsp  

 Method:

• Cook dal in a presure cooker with required amount of water,turmeric powder,green chilies,sliced onion and salt.
• Mash the cooked dal well using a wooden spoon.
• Add all the vegetables except drumstick to this.when the veggies are half cooked add drumstick and the tamarind juice to this.cook till all the veggies are cooked.
• Heat oil in a pan add coriander,chilly powder and asafoetida.saute for a minute. make sure that it doesn't get burnt.add3-5tbsp water to this and make a paste.add this to the veggies and allow it to boil.
• Heat some more oil in a pan,crackle mustard seeds,fenugreek seeds,cumin seeds.Then add dry red chillies,sliced small onions and curry leaves.
• Fry it till onion becomes golden brown.add this to the sambar,mix well and close it with a lid for few minutes.
• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. 
• Now sambar is Ready to serve.

Notes:

• You can use the veggies of your choice.
• Soak tamarind in half a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.

Serve with hot Plain Rice or Idly / Dosa....

Happy Cooking!!!